Increase in so-called freeters and NEET

Increase in so-called freeters and NEET is one of the biggest problems in our society. If we don’t take measures on this issue, we will lose national strength in international market. I’ll talk about why I think so by using two points.

First, it causes the lack of tax. Part-time workers, nonregular contract employee are a third of the overall workforce. Their incomes are relatively low, if any, unstable. Further more, we are suffering demographic imbalance. Overwhelmingly, labor shortage hits our society. This trend ends up small net tax. It would hamper the enhancement of prosperity in Japan.

Second, corruption to succeed technology and craftsmanship. In some fields, age and accumulated knowledge are strong advantage. Researchers, engineers and professors may very well benefit from their many years of experience. It's very difficult to take over their experiences within a short time. Why is it short? In an extreme case, old tech is simple. The longer time goes by, the more technology is sophisticated. For example, transistor radio uses simple technology; to the contrary, mobile phone with multiple functions is so complicated. Younger engineers need time to master the distinguished knowledge and enhance it. NEET which stands for Not in Employment, Education or Training, it’s tough for them to succeed distinguished technology. It would end up loosing competitiveness.

In conclusion, postponing the retirement age has two significant advantages. We can expect to secure work force and succession of technology and craftsmanship. These two are strongly related to national power.

If we don’t take measures on this issue, we will loose national power and competition in international markets.

How to tackle with declining birth rates

1. Nurture support for young couples. Women have had an important role in our society for the last two decades as advancement to society. It’s very tough for them to raise their kids with women’s persuading their carrier. Nurture support is indispensable including financial support and providing them with nursery center opened for a long time.

2. Promotion of immigrants. It’s effective to increase absolutely population denominator. The more denominator increases, the more opportunities to meet partners also increase. But we should bear in mind that women are not birth-giving machines. Government has responsibility to provide them with comfortable environment such as welfare, education and so on.

3. Support for medical improvement. It is said that having a baby over 40 is called granny birth. With medical improvement, we can expect to extend its limit. In other words, we could have possibility to have more babies through this extension. Government should support for medical research.

4. Part-time workers, nonregular contract employee are a third of the overall workforce, and 1 out of 3 is so called "freeter". Government should enhance the to shift activity part-time worker towards full time worker. We can expect stable life by having a stable full time work. Birth rate would be improved in the long run if people get stability.

Are wars ever justified?

I believe that war is always evil. Some maintains that under limited circumstances it may be the lesser evil. We got to crack a few eggs to make an omelet. But it’s unreasonable to justify. I’ll talk about why I think so by using two points.

First, including contradiction. Article 9 is the constitution Japanese are proud to all over the world. “land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained.” This clause is ideally perfect to renounce war, show attitude not to repeat war. But nation should be allowed to defend themselves from aggression. It is thought that it’s not war potential.

This constitution is just symbol. I live in the vicinity of SDF camp. In some cases, I can hear the sound shooting sound. I sometimes come across Tank running and fighter aircraft formation like movie such as “Top gun”. I can't help thinking that Japan has war potential after all. The constitution has become outdated in the current geopolitical environment. The clause has to catch up with today’s reality I mentioned before. I believe that it’s high time to revise it along with today’s reality.

Second, exploited as business target. Imagine an Africa without two dozens wars over the last couple of decades. It might have been a continent of growth instead of the world’s poorest. According to one estimation, conflicts are costing the continent about $18 billion per year. The price that Africa is paying could cover the cost of solving the AIDS crisis, or provide education, water, and prevention and treatment for malaria. Thousands of hospitals, schools, and roads could have been built.That report also blamed the global trade in arms for fueling fighting. It is said that 95% of the weapons used in Africa’s wars are imported from outside the continent. War should not be justified in order to increase profit.

In conclusion, let’s put away the idea that war is necessary evil.

Imaging life without the internet

Seemingly, it seems that life without the Internet would be beneficial to all of us. Because we will escape from bunch of junk Email, fraud in the net or slander/mental abuse on BBS. However, I can easily image life that we would loose national strength. I’ll talk about why I think so using following two points.

First, up to neck for handling chores. Let me take an example from my work place. I organize 4 meetings a week. Under current environment I can use the internet, what I need to do is sending Email to participants if I need to inform them of the change of time, location, meeting room or postponing. Without Email, I have to distribute the information of change as a bee. I’d like to concentrate on designing semiconductor chips. But This inconvenience could affect engineer’s activity more or less. It’s no exaggeration to say that it would hamper the great leap in technology.

Second, information collapse. Life without the Internet would generate inefficiency of circulation for information. To send message without the Internet, we need to rely on postal service. However, we suffer from demographic imbalance. The lack of workforce would damage the framework of postal service. Information would not be circulated at business world. Please imagine that 80 year old guy delivers letter, card whatever. It would impair the enhancement of prosperity.

In conclusion, there is no more life than life with the Internet. I’m very happy to enjoy life with the Internet.

Being honest is the best way to keep good relationship?

My answer to this question is no. As proverb goes, the end justifies the means. Honest is not always the best way to keep good relationship. On the contrary, honest can make the matter worse. I’ll talk about why I think so.

First, to avoid moody atmosphere. Let’s take my wife and my self’s case for example. One day, I was just 30 minutes late for the appointment. I honestly told the excuse to her. But she was so upset. Afterwards, we had been in moody atmosphere for a week. Since then, I make a rule to impute to minor traffic accident for my delay. Dishonest scheme is effective for peace keeping in my family.

Second, good motivation. To my surprise, lie could be a diving force to survive. For example, my aunt case. She passed away due to cancer. All family members knew that her finish was close. She was not told that she had cancer. She had desire to visit her home town – Takayama city in Gifu prefecture. It’s one of the most traditional and beautiful city in Japan. I used to vitalize her by saying like this. Let’s visit Takayama again with me. I’ll take you there with my showing some brochures. This might not be direct cause, but she could live longer than Doctor predicted. I believe that lying can be more or less effective in some cases. We could keep relationship through her survive.

In conclusion, honest is not always panacea to keep good relationship.

Privacy invasion in modern society

Privacy invasion has been one of the biggest problems in modern society. I’ll talk about how serious it is using following two points.

First, inappropriately obtained info/leaking info. A couple years ago, I delivered the speech at International Semiconductor conference. The dissertation I wrote and my presentation could attract attention from audiences and publishers. It’s welcome to be shed light on itself. But one editor called me on weekend and he was about to visit me. It seemed that my personal information was circulated in some reason or others. I’m afraid how widely my data is leaked. I’m not cerebirity or politician. But I could a little bit sympathize with them. Anyway, leaking info is significantly serious problem.

Second, exposed our daily life. For example, we live at the 7th floor in the 14 story cond. At my eye line, there is Izakaya. I can see people drinking and chatting. It is identical that they can see us. My wife takes off her clothes w/o closing the curtains. The more building is high-rise, the more the risk to expose ourselves is increased.

In conclusion, it’s no exaggeration to say that our privaxies are threatened in modern society.

Is Japan a comfortable country for foreigners to live in?

My answer to this question is NO. Many foreigners might enjoy life in Japan and feel comfortable to live in. But over all, I believe that they are facing some difficulties. I’d like to talk why I think so using following two points.

First, accommodation issue. In Japan, we have a complicated system for rented apartment such as key money. This kind of custom is far beyond foreigner’s sense.

Besides, landlords hesitate to let apartment for foreigners. Because extremely biased image has been widespread among landlords. For example, Chinese don't pay money and leave without any notice. Westerns have a binge late night and so on. As a result, they would have difficulties to find apartment, if any they would be charged extra money with 10 to 20% more. So called foreigner’s fare. This is the one of the reason they feel uncomfortable.

Second, isolation at work place. Foreigners are given less responsibility even if they are talented. Let’s take example from my wife’s work place. She is a school nurse at junior high school. The school has a native English speaker as assistant. But, Japanese coworkers even teacher of English avoid talking with foreigners. I guess this is the result of Japanese characteristic. They are not willing to speak using unfamiliar language in public. Or they lack of social skill against foreigners. My wife doesn't hesitate to talk even if her low level English. She seems to support her forging coworker from simple translation to personal care such as how to get shampoo. But it might be a few and far between. Anyway, the turn over rate of English assistants is extremely high.

I believe that it’s a good evidence that they feel uncomfortable at their work place.

In conclusion, it’s no exaggeration to say that Japan is not a comfortable country for foreigners to live in. Japan is a good destination to visit as tourist though.

How can we eliminate poverty in Africa?

Developed countries including Japan should contribute to combat poverty in Africa as a member of the world. I’ll talk about how we should support them using following two points.

First, food technology. I’d like to define food technology as tecqunique to preserve delicate taste for a long period. I believe that this technology contribute to preservative food. Let’s take instant noodle for example. The founder of Nissin, Momofuku Andou invented instant noodle. It is well suited for preservative food. As evidence, instant noodle was brought to space shuttle discovery. Of course, it contributed to hunger in Africa. Distributing Instant noodle as food aids is one solution. Besides, this technology could be used to preserve crops they cultivate.

Second, to generate job opportunity for people in Africa. I believe that launching a business in Africa or investment would be effective to increase their income. Let’s take semiconductor factory for example. Sony build one semiconductor assembly factory in Thai land. Establishment of this factory increased employment and boosted Thai land’s economy. This is just case for Asia but the analogy of this idea could be applied to the case in Africa. The chance of succeeding depends on environment such as geographical conditions, education, culture and so on. However this strategy would be one of the possible solution for eliminating poverty in Africa

In conclusion, it’s no exaggeration to say that Developed countries play an important role to tackle with poverty from food aspect and industry aspect.

Does Japan contribute enough towards world stability?

My answer to this question is no. I believe that there is room to contribute towards world stability. I’d like to take up environmental stabilities here. In some cases, fossil fuel can be a bone of contention. We need to efficiently use finite natural resources to avoid conflicts. I’ll take up two aspects here.

First, philosophy aspect. Let’s takeワンガリ・マータイassistant Minister of Environment of Kenya. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize by introducing もったいない movement -- what a waste movement. She introduced this idea to all over the world. But this idea originates from Japan with 3R’s reduce, reuse and recycling. She added another R. That‘s “refuse”. Japan can be a leader for environmental movement.

Second, lack of technical contribution. Let’s take recycling technology for example. Sony invented Polystyrene recycling system. Fuel oil is produced from CD, DVD and plastic packaging through this recycling system. I’d like to point out that Sony confines to use this technology for its own – so called internally use.

But I believe that this technology should be introduced towards all over the world. This is vitally important to contribute towards world as a member of world society.

In conclusion, there is still room to contribute to world stability, especially environmental point of view.

Is a sense of national identity important in this age of globalization?

Yes, a sense of national identity is important in this age of globalization. I’ll talk about why I think so using following two points.

First, to crack down on copyism. With globalization, Japanese culture fascinates a lot of people in the world. But as negative aspect, it has been copied and transformed to other

Let’s take Sushi for example. When I visited the US, San Francisco on business trip, I’ve eaten awful sushi. I dropped in at one supermarket to buy my dinner. I found Sushi and ate it. The taste is dull and far from real McCoy we usually enjoy in Japan. I’m not the person who are keen to taste. I prefer hamburgers to three stars restraunt. But I couldn’t stand it. Japanese living in the vicinity of the supermarket should lodge a complaint to protect true Japanese taste.

Second, we should know about our own country/culture. For example, I’ve ever taken my British friend to Kabuki. That was also the first time for me to go to the Kabuki play. She asked me bunch of questions such as “what is the origin?” , I failed to answer her questions properly. I learnt that I don’t know our own culture at all. Foreign people are interested in Japanese culture and they know much more than I know. But my understanding was so superficial not profound. She criticized me that she could talk about Shakespeare, I should be able to talk about my own culture.

In conclusion, to have a sense of national identity is vitally important in globalized society. We should enhance the trend to know about ourselves and categorically blame for mimic trend. Be careful for the supermarket -- “Safe way” on highway 101

Do public opinion have strong impact on political change in Japan?

The answer to this question is yes.

Traditionally, public opinion has not played major role in policy formation but it has increasingly strong influence since very recently.

First, uncommitted voter's support. Let’s take former TV personality Sonomanma Higashi’s case for example. He won the gubernatorial election in Miyazaki. His glass root campaign, with the slogan "Miyazaki must change and no bid-rigging attracted a large number of uncommitted voters. His high profile/fame might influence to bring people’s attention. But the fact also remains that they wanted to oppose against bid-rigging trend in Miyazaki. I believe that this is a good evidence to indicate public opinion’s impact.

Second, objection to LDP. The LDP experienced its crushing defeat in the July Upper House election. The LDP-led ruling coalition only managed to secure 47 seats, falling far short of the 64 needed to maintain control of the Upper House. The DPJ, the main opposition party, won a landslide victory to become the largest party in the House of Councilors. It is believed to be the result of blunder such as pension fiasco and improper remarks. For example, former Health Minister Hakuo Yanagisawa to exhort more women to get pregnant, dubbing them "birth-giving machines". The LDP has dominated Japanese politics for most of the post war period. Other parties simply haven’t had enough strength to win national elections. There is general tendency for parties in power for a long time to become arrogant, complacent and corrupt. But at last, public opinion has strong impact on policy making.

In conclusion, public opinion has increasingly had strong impact on political change.

How has "terrorist attack 911" changed world?

"Terrorist attack 911" has significant influence to the world from philosophy to daily transaction.

First, security level has been pulled up since then. Let me take the security gate at my work place for example. Multiple gates checking system has been installed to our office. We had lenient checking system. What we needed was just showing our ID card to the security guard to enter the premise by company’s regulation. But we called it “say hello security guard”, because we could enter the premise by saying hello without showing our ID card. However, after 911, to get to my desk, I need to show my ID card once and 3 times quick touch. 911 had an impact on our daily transaction.

Second, the view against Arab is extremely biased. Terrorism is linked to Arab. Islam is dangerous religion. The fact remains that 911 is caused by a part of Militant Islam/extremist. Arab all over the world has been oppressed/harassed since then. For example, Iranian university professor. The company I work for invited one Iranian university professor of UCLA for our in-house training. He is a renowned professor among semiconductor technology field. According to his remarks, the budget of his lab was reduced to 50% of the previous year’s budget because of nationality. Not chinese/american professor but only professors who have Islamic background. He criticized that this policy is religious discrimination.

In conclusion, "terrorist attack 911" changed world from philosophy to daily transaction.

Pros/Cons of Japan's peace constitution/ ARTICLE 9.

From philosophy point of view, I strongly support Japan's peace constitution. I believe that this is the constitution Japanese are proud to all over the world. “land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained.” This clause is ideally perfect to renounce war. However, in reality, it ends up being meaning less and a bone of contention.

First, this constitution is just symbol. In other words, intangible presence. I live in the vicinity of SDF camp. In some cases, I can hear the sound of Helicopter and narrowly shooting sound. I sometimes come across Tank running. I can't help thinking that Japan has war potential after all. The constitution has become outdated in the current geopolitical environment. The clause has to catch up with today’s reality I mentioned before.

Second, waste of too much time/money to argue this issue. It is said that 300Million yen a day is needed to hold national parliament. We have tons of problems we have to solve.

We should spend time to argue other issues such as welfare/budget deficit/demographic imbalance/food safety and so on. I believe that priority should be given to solving problems we are facing on daily life first.

In conclusion, I’m against Japan's peace constitution from the practical point of view. I believe that it’s high time to revise it along with today’s reality.

Women in politics

Traditionally, women has not played major role in policy formation but strong influence.

But I believe that women expand their influences all over the world. I’ll take up two cases, Japan and France case for example.

First, Japan’s case -- Nagano prefecture. It’s famous for relatively high voter turn out in Japan. It is believed to be because women play an important role as candidates. The turn out rate which is barometer to get attention is close to 70%. It’s a good trend to alleviate indifference. In fact, 20% of assembly members are women. If you take 4% on average into consideration, Nagano’s case is extreamly high.

Second, France’s case. Incumbent Franch presidentサルコジ won at presidential election. Half of cabinet members are women. Besides, he experienced one-on-one fight withロワイヤル who was female candidate at presidential election. I believe that this is a good evidence women play an important role.

In conclusion, increasingly women has played major role in policy formation.

feudalistic traits in modern Japan society

It might be true that women are struggling with feudalistic traits in our society. Some criticize that they are seen as servant to serve tea or machine to produce offspring. But I believe that they are driven by their own image they form. I’ll talk about why I think so by using following two points.

First, serving to men is virtue. It seems that they like serving to men. Let’s take my workplace case for example. One female coworker cleans up our desks every morning. We don’t ask her to do so. She is driven by her own decision. But there is my favorite location of the laptop computer, keyboard, books and stationary. I love untidy desk! Leave them alone, please. Let me cite another example of drinking party, some female coworkers pour beer for participants. But it’s not necessary. I want to drink beer at my own pace. I can serve to pour beer by myself. Leave me alone. Some women seem to have a biased idea that serving to men is virtue.

Second, too much modesty. I believe that it goes too far beyond decency. One female coworker is an able engineer. Her performance is brilliant. It’s no exaggeration to say that our division’s profit heavily rely on her contribution. It goes without saying that many recognize that she should be promoted. Actually, she was offered promotion. However, she reservedly refused the offer regardless of having an ability to be manager.

It is said that she has her own perspective that women should not be appointed to the high position.

In conclusion, a part of responsibility against feudalistic traits is on women’s hands.

Do the media control our opinions?

The answer to this question is yes. The media, especially television has a strong impact on opinion formation. It’s no exaggeration that the media control our opinions.

First, a role of a trend maker. Let’s take an advertisement on TV for example. One mobile phone maker put on a commercial on TV. One product featured by a guy -- pop idle Kamenashi became a big seller among high school girls. According to market statistics, the sales of mobile phones have been steadily growing since then. I believe that this is a good evidence that the media have an inluence to the formation of public opinion.

Second, negative influence of the media. Let’s take one TV programm which biased our opinion for example. The TV programm title is “Discover! Aru aru”. It took up wide range of issues related to health. The programm fabricated that fermented soybeans works for diet. Fermented soybeans have been in great demand since then. The stock shortage hit our market. But we learnd later that the programm manipulated the data and concocted a story. This was the incidence that the medeia’s responsibility was criticised.

In conclusion, the media play a role to forme our opinions. The influence can be both negative and positive.

Do computer impair people's verbal communication skill?

The answer to this question is No. To the contrary, I believe that computer has improved interpersonal communication.

First we still rely on verbal communication for the detailed talk. Let’s take Email for example. It’s no doubt that Email is significantly useful tool in our society. We can send a message to a lot of people all at once and avoid receiver’s interruption. Some people criticize that this aspect impairs people's verbal communication skill. However I’m against this idea. At my work place, we don’t use Email to make a decision for complicated technical issue or a billion yen business. We make a consensus at the meeting. It’s hard to think that Email is used for the conversation for marriage contract or divorce. I believe that Email is just tool to assist our communication.

Second, computer can generate chance to enlarge the circle of friends. For example, I have own blog page on the net. I post miscellaneous essay including summer vacation/conflict with boss and so on. Some people leave comments. Then we start exchanging E-mail. In some cases, we meet in person. I got a friend who is a cram school teacher through this process. We meet at least once a month. It’s no exaggeration that computer could be a good trigger to enhance interpersonal communication.

In conclusion, I don’t think that computer impair people's verbal communication skill.

If anything, I believe that computer improve interpersonal communication.

Oriental medicine vs. Western medicine(Healthカテゴリのとりこぼしネタ)

Those two kinds of medicine compensate for the lack each other. I’d like to focus Oriental medicine with two points here.

First, to cure physical pain. In some cases, Oriental medicine excels Western medicine. Let’s take acupuncture for example. I suffered from pain/swelling on my elbow – so-called tennis elbow. I went to the western style doctor. He diagnosed my pain and told me to rest my elbow until the pain and swelling are gone. Come on! Tennis tournament is around the corner. I wanted him to alleviate my pain. But visiting the doctor was in vain. In stead, I took acupuncture treatment. I had subtle pain on my elbow. But it was not serious pain. The pain was not a big deal to take part in the tournament. I felt that Oriental medicine including acupuncture has an advantage against physical pain.

Second, the roots of medicine are Oriental medicine. It is said that 80% of Western medicine are extracted from natural plant. I have no idea about the definition or demarcation between Oriental medicine and Western medicine. Some say that each material in western medicine is explained and oriental one doesn't focus on the cause but effect. But if medicine based upon natural plant is Oriental medicine, we take Oriental medicine for the most of the cases. Let’s take my mother’s case for example. She is prescribed 10 kinds of pills a day. 4 out of 10 are so called Chinese herbal medicine. It’s good evidence that the effect of Oriental medicine has been accepted in the western style medical system.

In conclusion, as long as pain is eased, it doesn’t matter whether Oriental medicine or Western medicine.

Difference between newspaper and TV as information sources.

In era of wisdom in which a high value will be placed on information, both sources are beneficial to all of us as information sources. I believe that TV has some advantages against newspaper.

First, prompt announcement or quick report. Newspaper doesn’t have this significant feature. Newspaper has extra edition as solution which needs quick report. But it’s still too slow to distribute information. For example, Earthquake Early Warnings. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is providing residents in Japan with Earthquake Early Warnings, new prompt earthquake alerts to be issued immediately after the occurrence of earthquakes, in order to secure time to protect yourself before strong tremors arrive. On 1 October 2007, JMA started providing Earthquake Early Warning through several means such as TV. We can’t wait for the issue of extra edition.

Second, graphic depiction. As proverb goes, the picture is worth a thousand words. This feature is beyond newspaper's power. For example, September 11 terrorism attacks.

I was so shocked by the showing clips of the moment that aircrafts crashed into the world trade center buildings. Photos and text based-article on newspaper are good sources. However, moving images on TV have more emotional weight. I remember clearly that I had a strong impression that TV excels newspaper to send direct image.

In conclusion, I believe that TV has at least two advantages against newspaper. Those are quick report and graphic depiction.

Are current efforts to solve the problem of global warming sufficient? (Big corporations and environmental responsibility) 環境問題の取りこぼしネタ

The answer to this question is No. I’m afraid that current efforts to solve the problem of global warming is not efficient.

First, corporate effort is not efficient. Especially in small and medium sized enterprise. It seems that big corporation’s policies have been changed and they’ve tackled with environmental sustainability citing “CSR” which stands for Corporate Social Responsibility. This is relatively a good trend. Let’s take Sony case for example. It has own environmental criteria to develop its products. As the first priority to save power, its design is constricted by how much power the chip is allowed to consume. This is an effort to hold buttery as much as possible for environmental sustainability. To the contrary, lack of responsibility in small and medium sized enterprise is hot potato in our society. They should also have responsibility to play a role as a member of society.

Second, economic growth first, environmental sustainability follows it. Let’s take Kyoto protocol for example. I’m afraid that Kyoto protocol ends up becoming symbolic protocol. Its first target is to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases. The policy of this establishment should be praised. However, the U.S.A. has neither ratified nor withdrawn from the Protocol. It is believed to be because it would result in serious harm to the economy of the United States. I can’t help emphasizing that economic growth comes the first.

In conclusion, we have a big room to improve environmental sustainability from small and medium sized corporation level to international talk level.

Will alternative energy sources be efficient enough to replace fossil fuel sources in the near future(環境問題の取りこぼしネタ)

The answer to this question is No. I’m afraid that alternative energy sources will not be efficient enough to replace fossil fuel sources.

First, impractical as solution from requiring less land point of view. It is estimated that it would take a wind farm the size of Texas to provide for the power needs of Texas. The inefficiency of alternative energy technologies make them impractical as solutions for large-scale energy needs. Hydroelectric usually needs building a large dam which floods an enormous region behind the dam, displacing tens of thousands of people. For example, the Three Gorges Dam project in China. It destroyed 30,000 hectors of farmland. If you take these requiring land cases into your consideration, nuclear power should be valued regardless of its potential dangers.

Second, alternative energy sources can be a bone of contention. We have some potentially alternative energy sources such as nuclear power and bio-ethanol. However, I believe that those are not definitive solutions to replace fossil fuel sources. Let’s take uranium for example. This is also finite fuel source. Only around 0.72% of all natural uranium is uranium-235, the rest being mostly uranium-238. This concentration is insufficient for a self sustaining reaction. Many electricity companies in mostly industrialized countries are rushing in getting uranium. The international price for this chemical element has been shooting up. As another example, I’ll take up bio-ethanol. bio-ethanol has been shed light on since the last decade. However, it causes some problems such as increasing the price of agricultural products, deforestation to gain the farmland for the crops and so on. Alternative energy sources essentially involves a bone of contention.

In conclusion, we need to keep using fossil fuel for a while. We need to make an effort to delay depletion of fossil fuel until we find definitive alternative energy sources.

Crime in the information age

Crime in the information age is one of the biggest problems in our society. I’ll talk about this issue with two aspects.

First, crimes targeting the elderly. Let’s take "Ore ore" ("It's me") frauds for example. Swindles call targets and persuade them that they are relatives in trouble and need quick cash. They pose as grandchild, police officers and lawyers to gain victims' trust using bunch of detailed information. They can be an easy pray for fraud due to impaired judgment. We can consider that banking facilities also have hand in this fraud. To prevent this, banking facilities should have responsibility not to be withdrawn money by such as redundant confirmation.

Second, extremely high technology. Let’s take Electric train pass – SuiCa of JR.

With just one quick touch, you can pass through JR EAST ticket gates and your fare is automatically deducted! No need to buy a ticket every time you ride a train. You can recharge and reuse the card an unlimited number of times. I have a hand in R&D related to this train pass. We got information that the card is targeted by fraud aiming at stealing private information. Engineer including me are making strong effort to preventing from being stolen personal information from the card. Literally, night and day. The technology implented in SuiCa card is so called high technology. The attempt used by fraud also becomes high technology. We have been in the rat race. Ironically, this vicious cycle enhances the great leaps in technology though.

In conclusion, we are living in high crime risk environment. Victims could be not only the elderly but also various generations targeted by fraud

Are people happy in digital society?

Yes. I believe that people enjoy huge benefit from digital society. Let’s take computer game as a symbol of digital technology. I deeply understand that many people criticize that computer games can generate a lack of communication and trigger violent crimes. But the benefits
outweigh the risks.The popularity of computer games is vitally important for two aspects. One is the benefit for our society and the other is for me.

First, great leaps in technology. Computer games as product have many indirect benefits to our society. Let’s take semiconductor chips used in Sony PlayStation for example. The chips include the cutting edge technology accumulated engineer’s experience and knowledge. The performance is much more than super computer decade ago. The technology is widely reused for other category such as mobile phone. The semiconductor chips originated from game product play an important role to achieve the complicated and multi functional mobile phone. The popularity enhances the technical improvement.

Second, for my own benefit. My salary is decided by two factors. One is the evaluation of my personal performance. The other is company’s profit. The company I work for produce game products. In other words, the more our game products are in demand, the more my salary increases. It’s not exaggeration. If engineers can get better incentive, technology would be more improved. Buy game product. Not Nintendo DS but PlayStation, please.

In conclusion, we can expect the great leaps in technology and it can contribute to the public good. It is reasonable to think that we are happy in digital society.

Are Japanese children spoiled?(Educationネタの取りこぼしなので後回しでお願いします)

Yes, I’m afraid that Japanese children have been spoiled for the last three decades. I’ll shed light on two lacks for Japanese children.

First, lack of patience. Children are more affluent and comfortable than ever before. Let’s take convenience store for example. It’s open for 24 hours. They can get any food, drink, magazines and so on at the moment that they want to get. As negative effect of affluent, they can be short on patience. If they can not get what they want, as is often the case, they can resolve to disruptive behavior such as physical violence as the worst case. I can’t help considering that the lifestyle of children is too much affluent.

Second, lack of discipline. Women have played important roles in our society and they pursue their own career. They can’t afford to take care of their children. Parent’s discipline is not good enough to raise child as a member of society.

On top of that, school teachers handle their students as business like. My wife is a school nurse. She confidentially told me that they are not willing to seriously displine their students. Because they are afraid of reaction/claim/complaint from parents. Therefore, their disciplines end up superficial effect.

In conclusion, Japanese children have been vulnerable and have less flexibility. They are not well trained. If we don’t take measures on this issue, we’ll lose national power in international harsh market.

Is social chasm growing in Japanese society

These days, social chasm is growing in Japanese society. I’ll talk about this issue with two aspects.

First, winner and looser. Performance based system, so called merit system has been installed in our society for the last two decades. As a negative aspect of performance based system, it generated stressful working environment. Employees are driven by the pressure that they need to bear fruits. Some people lack their confidence and they evaluate themselves as looser when they can’t perform well. For example, one of my subordinates who left our office due to mental depression confessed me that he was overwhelmed by excellency of coworkers and he felt inferior. I don’t think he’s looser at all. But he was annoyed by huge gap between his perfect world and real situation. Anyway, we lost one personnel. If the number of withdrawal increase, we’ll loose national power.

Second, economical gap. Let’s take net café refugees. People who don’t have stable residence and who stay at net café instead, we call them net café refugees. They don’t have stable job and they get by as daily worker with low income. They might be victims of modern society. But I believe that they choose their ways on their own. They pursuit too much better working condition. They avoid harsh working condition such as long hours of hard work. For example, caregivers from Philippine play an important role in our society to compensate for the shortage of Japanese workers. Anyway, the fact remains that a lot of people are struggling with low income. To the contrary, investors such as Horiemon handle huge money with greater ease as if they are playing with money.

In conclusion, we are facing social gap including mental withdrawal and economic difference in our society. To enhance our strength, we need to reduce huge gap.

The problems facing senior citizens in an aging society

These days, the life of elderly seems to be in danger. The scandals such as pension fiasco and Comsn misdeeds have hit our society. According to the demographic statistics, one in four in 2025 would be over 65 years old.

First, posthumous chore. Especially for people who don't have any children like me, it’s a serious matter to handle posthumous chore. Whom can I rely on? If I could leave my living will or prepare for my death in advance, it’s not so critical. But if I become unconscious out of the blue, who deal with payment of medical care, handling real estate/bank account, informing utility sector about my death, discarding refrigerator/VCR, my cat and so on? One possible answer would be lawyers. But I doubt that they are willing to deal with such an unprofitable work. The elderly need overall support system. So, such a work should be done by the government.

Second, crimes targeting the elderly. Let’s take "Ore ore" ("It's me") frauds for example. Swindles call targets and persuade them that they are relatives in trouble and need quick cash. They pose as grandchild, police officers and lawyers to gain victims' trust using bunch of detailed information. They can be an easy pray for fraud due to impaired judgment. We can consider that banking facilities also have hand in this fraud. To prevent this, banking facilities should have responsibility not to be withdrawn money by such as redundant confirmation.

In conclusion, the elderly played important roles to achieve high economic growth. It is no　exaggeration to say that they have brought Japan to one of the highest industrialized countries. Now, they should be given social hospitality and protected from crimes.

Who is the role-model for children?(Educationネタの取りこぼしなので後回しでお願いします)

The world’s tennis top-ranked player-- Roger Federer. His influence is significant not only for children who are interested in Tennis but also children who are not. I’ll focus two his great aspects.

First, technical role model. He achieved ten Grand Slam men's singles titles. It is said that Federer may become the greatest player in history. His artistic play fascinates young players and enhances technical improvement.

Second, influence for children all over the world. He was assigned as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador. According to his statement, he made the remarks that he may have achieved a lot on the court, but he would also like to try to achieve more off the court, a privilege for him to continue this great tradition of UNICEF. For example, in the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster’s aftermath, he made a significant personal donation to the relief effort. For another case, he used his high profile to bring the world’s attention to their plight. In 2003, he established the Roger Federer Foundation to fund projects benefiting disadvantaged children

In conclusion, I believe that Roger Federer can be a good role-model for children with two aspects. One is as technical role-model and the other is as Goodwill Ambassador.

Government's responsibility to take care of the elderly

These days, the life of elderly seems to be in danger. The scandals such as pension fiasco and Comsn misdeeds have hit our nation. According to the demographic statistics, one in four in 2025 would be over 65 years old. I believe that the government should take full responsibility for taking care of the elderly. Here, I would like suggest what the government should do for the elderly.

First, overall support system for the elderly. Especially for people who don't have any children like me, it’s a serious matter to handle posthumous chore. Whom can I rely on? If I could leave my living will, it’s not so critical. But if I become unconscious out of the blue, who deal with payment of medical care, handling real estate/bank account, informing utility sector about my death, discarding refrigerator/VCR, my cat and so on? One possible answer would be lawyers. But I doubt that they are willing to deal with such an unprofitable work. So, such a work should be done by the government

Second, policy change for the elderly. Those who are now over 65 played important roles to achieve high economic growth. We couldn’t get national strength in international market without their efforts. It is no　exaggeration to say that they have brought Japan to one of the highest industrialized countries. Now, their efforts should be rewarded. To my surprise, it is said that expense for supporting the elderly over 75 years old is to be cut. I believe that this policy would be opposite against ideal situation. Let’s take Swedish case. The medical cost is charge-free. This should be government’s direction of the road ahead.

In conclusion, government should not return evil for good for the elderly. If government doesn’t take care of the elderly, significance of existence would decline.